EVERETT — The Port of Everett stepped into the airport controversy today by saying it would be glad to build and operate a passenger terminal at Paine Field if Snohomish County doesn’t want to do it itself.
Port commissioners Connie Niva and Phil Bannan told the port’s director to look into the idea after supporters of commercial service at the county-run airport asked the port to become involved.
“If it pencils out as a profitable venture, I would be in favor of it,” said Bannan, chairman of the port commission. “I would consider it strongly.”
On Wednesday, the county council may consider a resolution stating that if the decision is to build a terminal, it ought to be the county that builds it. Executive Aaron Reardon is negotiating with Allegiant Air and Horizon Air, two airlines that have expressed interest in running flights out of Paine Field.
But Niva said neither the executive nor the council appear to be in support of commercial flights at Paine. “Nobody wants to be in front of it and it keeps getting passed back and forth to the council and the executive,” Niva said of the issue.
Many residents who live near the airport oppose the idea because they say it would increase traffic and noise and would lower the value of their homes. Supporters of commercial service say it would help the economy. Some believe the county is dragging its feet.
The port supports commercial air service because of its potential economic benefits and because Paine Field is a former federal airport and the county could lose federal funds if it refuses to allow an airline to step in. The loss of federal funds could affect how the airport is used by the Boeing Co., the port’s biggest customer, another reason why the port is keeping a close eye on the issue.
Brad Cattle, the port’s legal adviser, said running an airport terminal is a specific function of ports that is allowed by state statute.
Port Director John Mohr said that if the county chooses not to go forward, “then we could participate.”
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